In February, he was suspended by the Kentucky Horse Racing Commission (KHRC) for 90 days after disqualifying Spirit City’s win in the 2021 Kentucky Derby. The horse failed a drug test after crossing the finish line first in the Derby.
Baffert appealed the KHRC’s decision, but the Kentucky Court of Appeals rejected his request for emergency relief on April 1. His suspension began on April 4.
The legendary coach will not be allowed to participate in Preakness due to Maryland’s “reciprocity” law, according to Hopkins.
The rule states that “an individual whose license has been suspended or revoked in another state or state shall be suspended or revoked in that state” and “a refusal of a license by a race commission of another state may be taken as grounds for refusal of a license by the Commission.”
Preakness is scheduled to take place May 21 at the Pimlico Race Course in Baltimore, Maryland.